More Than Makeup

I constantly get asked: 'Kellsie, how did your old career in corporate event planning impact the way you run your makeup business today?' The truth is, my old career built almost everything I do now.

In this episode of More Than Makeup, I’m taking you down memory lane to discuss the transition from the corporate world to full-time artistry. We’re talking about the 'nudge' that tells you it’s time to quit, why your corporate skills are actually your secret weapon in the beauty industry, and how to know when you're ready to take the leap.

Whether you’re currently working a 9-to-5 or you're already full-time and looking to bring more structure to your brand, this episode is a masterclass in professional evolution.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• If you're feeling that nudge, here’s my masterclasses!

• Mentorship Waitlist: Ready to build your own digital engine? Join the waitlist.

• Confidence & Imposter Syndrome Episode

The makeup world has been noisy this week, but I’m not here for the negativity. In this episode of More Than Makeup, I’m taking the viral 'MUA vs. Influencer' debate and turning it into a high-level business masterclass. We’re moving past the $1,000 quote drama to talk about the actual strategy behind influencer marketing. I’m sharing my own experience with collaborations, how to audit your data to see what’s actually working, and why you need to stop making business decisions based on feelings.

Whether you believe in paid collaborations or strictly 'pro-bono' artistry, this episode will help you understand how to use your analytics to grow your brand and your bank account.

Resources:

• Kellsie’s Mentorship Waitlist

• Use code MORETHANMAKEUP for 10% off all of my online courses and masterclasses

I’ve debated whether to share this, but I refuse to only show you the highlight reel. In this episode of More Than Makeup, I’m sharing the raw, unfiltered story of how I lost $40,000 in less than 24 hours. This wasn't a bad investment or a scam; it was the result of a single decision I made at 3:00 AM in a hotel room to cancel my fully booked Toronto masterclass.

I’m walking you through the 'perfect storm' of logistics, the high standards I refuse to compromise on, and the reality of what it costs to prioritize your reputation over your bank account. If you’ve ever faced a crisis in your business that tested your integrity, this episode is for you.

Resources:

• Kellsie’s Mentorship Waitlist

• Global Glam — Kellsie’s course on booking destination weddings

I’m sitting down in New York with the viral queen herself, Shelby Ann Bell! With 2 million followers and counting, Shelby is proof that 'overnight success' usually takes years of hard work.

In this episode of More Than Makeup, we’re pulling back the curtain on the business engine behind the viral videos. We talk about her journey from a pro MUA of 10 years to a full-time creator, the reality of managing a 'parasocial' relationship with millions of followers, and why authenticity is her secret weapon.

If you’ve been wondering how to turn views into a sustainable business while staying true to your artistry, this conversation is for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Follow Shelby: @‌shelbyannbell on TikTok and Instagram for the best beauty vibes.

• Mentorship Waitlist: Ready to build your own digital engine? Join the waitlist.

I’ve been following Selena Marchand since 2022, and today I finally get to sit down with her in person! In this episode of More Than Makeup, we are tackling the one thing most artists are terrified of: getting in front of the camera. Selena is a testament to the fact that it is never too late to start; she didn't even start posting her face until three years ago, and now she's building a digital empire.

We’re breaking down the shift from being a 'service provider' to a 'content creator,' how to handle the fear of judgment, and the exact strategies for going viral in 2026. If you feel like you’ve 'missed the boat' because you're in your 30s or you're scared to show your personality, this episode is the kick in the pants you need to start posting.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Follow Selena Marchand: Check out her incredible journey and tips on Instagram.

• Mentorship: Join the waitlist for the next high-level cohort.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with one of the first people I met when I moved to Canada, the incredibly talented Brittany Jayne, founder of Muse By Her. We’re diving into the world of content creation and social media management specifically for women-led beauty and lifestyle brands.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by 'doing it for the Gram' while trying to actually do your job as an artist, this conversation is for you. We discuss the transition from being a one-woman show to building a creative agency, the importance of storytelling over just 'pretty pictures,' and how to elevate your brand through high-end content.

Brittany also shares her journey of doubling her revenue by implementing systems and automations, and why she’ll always make time to film my masterclasses!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Follow Brittany: Check out her work at @‌musebyher.

• Toronto Masterclass: Final spots available!

• Mentorship: Join the waitlist for the next high-level cohort.

If you’re a makeup artist who is busy but still feels stuck, this episode is your sign to get some help. Kellsie Bain gets real about the moment she realised she couldn’t grow her business and do everything herself at the same time, and what happened when she finally let someone else in.

In this episode, Kellsie walks through her journey of going from solo operator, staying up until 11pm trying to build her own Squarespace site, to hiring specialists that freed up her brain, her time, and her creativity. This is the episode that will make you stop procrastinating and finally get the help your business needs.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Global Glam — Kellsie’s course on booking destination weddings

• Live Podcast Event in New Jersey (April 7) with Jamie Saunders

• Toronto Masterclass — limited spots remaining

• Kellsie’s Mentorship Waitlist

• Use code MORETHANMAKEUP for 10% off all of my online courses and masterclasses

  
  

I’m coming to you live from Mexico for this one! In this episode of More Than Makeup, I’m joined by my friend and talented Toronto-based makeup artist, Jessica Wolfert, to pull back the curtain on what it’s actually like to be an international destination makeup artist.

We all see the glamorous Instagram shots of sunsets and spicy margaritas, but today we’re getting real about the grit behind the glam. From navigating language barriers and unpredictable climates to surviving high-stakes travel disasters—like the infamous "Amsterdam Fire" that nearly derailed everything—we’re sharing the stories that don't make the grid.

Whether you’re an aspiring makeup artist looking to book your very first international wedding or a seasoned pro makeup artist wanting to refine your travel rates and contracts, this conversation is a deep dive into the business strategy you need to go global.

Connect with Jessica Wolfert: https://jessicawolfertmakeup.com/

Use code MORETHANMAKEUP for 10% off all of my online courses and masterclasses

https://kellsiebainmakeup.com/pages/education

In 2026, I will be taking on a limited number of Makeup Artists for personalised mentorship. To be the first to hear when applications open, join the waitlist below.

https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=SBb7Mn&g=ThSqDB

In this special Q&A episode, Kellsie Bain gets personal, sharing the life experiences and mindset shifts that have shaped her into the entrepreneur she is today. She opens up about her upbringing, her journey to finding love in a new country, and how she balances a high-level international career with her personal life.

Whether you're a beauty professional looking for business inspiration or simply want to know the woman behind the brand, this episode offers a deep dive into the "why" behind Kellsie's drive.

CHAPTERS:

• Introduction: Thinking Outside the Bridal Box

• Life Before Makeup: My Corporate Event Planning Career

• The Tragedy That Shaped My Work Ethic

• Lessons from My Mother: Resilience and Drive

• Moving to Canada: The Loneliest Year of My Life

• The $50 Rebuild: Starting My Business From Scratch

• How I Met My Husband (The Crypto Scam Story)

• Dating in Your 30s: Why You Should Never Settle

• Career vs. Family: Navigating the Fertility Clock

• Finding a Partner Who Supports Your Ambition

• Why I Say "Yes" to Every Opportunity

• Rapid Fire Q&A: Business Advice & Mindset

In the fast-paced world of the beauty industry, "hustle culture" often tells us that more is better—more clients, more content, more visibility. But what happens when the constant demand for your energy starts to drain your creativity? In this episode of More Than Makeup, Kellsie Bain explores the essential topic of boundaries in the makeup business.

Using her own podcast schedule as a case study, Kellsie discusses the importance of setting boundaries with your time, your technology, and your business expectations. She reveals why she is officially moving the podcast to a bi-weekly (fortnightly) schedule and how this boundary is a strategic move to ensure the longevity of her brand and the quality of her education.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why I’m Pivoting to Video

• Overcoming Tech-Paralysis and Procrastination

• Lessons from a Social Media Detox

• The Reality of "Hustle Culture" in the Beauty Industry

• Why Boundaries are Essential for Business Longevity

• Moving to a Bi-Weekly Schedule: Setting a Professional Boundary

• Done is Better Than Perfect: Launching on YouTube

• Prioritizing Peace in 2026

Join Kellsie in Person!

Kellsie is heading to New York and Toronto this April for a brand immersion and artistry masterclass. Come learn branding, content creation, and makeup skills in person.

Tickets: Available at https://kellsiebainmakeup.com/collections/masterclasses